Numbers 26:62
The registration of the Levites totaled 23,000, every male a month old or more; they were not numbered among the other Israelites, because no inheritance was given to them among the Israelites.
The registration of the males a month old or more
This phrase indicates a census or counting of the Levites, distinct from the other tribes of Israel. The Hebrew word for "registration" is "פְּקוּדֵי" (pequdei), which implies a careful accounting or listing. The Levites were counted from a month old, unlike other tribes who were counted from twenty years old, highlighting their unique role and dedication to God from birth. This early age of registration underscores the Levites' lifelong commitment to their sacred duties, serving as a reminder of the importance of dedicating one's life to God's service from the earliest possible moment.

was 23,000
The specific number, 23,000, reflects the total count of Levite males at that time. This figure is significant as it shows the growth and strength of the Levite tribe, despite their unique role and separation from the other tribes. Historically, this number also indicates the sufficiency of the Levites to perform their duties in the Tabernacle, as they were responsible for its care and the spiritual leadership of Israel. The precision of this number reflects the order and structure God desires in His community.

But they were not numbered among the other Israelites
This phrase highlights the distinct status of the Levites. The Hebrew root "לֹא" (lo) for "not" emphasizes their separation. The Levites were set apart for the service of the Tabernacle and were not included in the military census of Israel. This separation signifies their unique calling and the special role they played in maintaining the spiritual life of the nation. It serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual leadership and the need for dedicated individuals who focus solely on the service of God.

because no inheritance was given to them among the Israelites
The Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes. The Hebrew word "נַחֲלָה" (nachalah) for "inheritance" refers to a portion or possession. Instead, their inheritance was the Lord Himself and the offerings made by the people. This arrangement underscores the principle that spiritual service and reliance on God are of greater value than material possessions. It serves as an inspirational reminder that true fulfillment and inheritance come from a relationship with God and serving His purposes, rather than from earthly wealth or land.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Levites
A tribe set apart for religious duties and service to God. They were not given a land inheritance like the other tribes of Israel.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who conducted the census as commanded by God.

3. Israelites
The chosen people of God, divided into twelve tribes, each receiving a portion of the Promised Land except the Levites.

4. Census
A counting of the people, specifically the Levites in this verse, to organize and prepare for entering the Promised Land.

5. Inheritance
The land and possessions distributed among the tribes of Israel, from which the Levites were excluded to focus on their spiritual duties.
Teaching Points
The Role of Service
The Levites were set apart for service to God, reminding us of the importance of dedicating our lives to serving Him in whatever capacity He calls us.

Spiritual Inheritance
Just as the Levites' inheritance was God Himself, believers today are called to find their ultimate inheritance and satisfaction in a relationship with God.

Community Support
The Levites were supported by the tithes of the other tribes, illustrating the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to ministry and service.

Identity in Christ
Like the Levites, Christians are called to be distinct in their identity and purpose, living lives that reflect their calling as God's people.

Faithfulness in Calling
The Levites' faithfulness to their calling serves as an example for believers to remain steadfast in the roles God has assigned to them.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the role of the Levites teach us about the importance of service and dedication to God in our own lives?

2. How can we apply the concept of spiritual inheritance in our daily walk with Christ?

3. In what ways can we support those who are in full-time ministry or service to God, similar to how the Israelites supported the Levites?

4. How does understanding our identity as a "royal priesthood" influence the way we live and interact with the world around us?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt called to a specific role or task by God. How can the example of the Levites encourage you to remain faithful in that calling?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 18:20-24
This passage explains why the Levites did not receive a land inheritance, as God Himself was their inheritance, and they were to receive tithes from the other Israelites.

Deuteronomy 10:8-9
Reiterates the special role of the Levites in carrying the Ark of the Covenant and serving before the Lord, emphasizing their unique position among the tribes.

1 Peter 2:9
Draws a parallel between the Levites and the New Testament believers, who are called a "royal priesthood," highlighting the spiritual inheritance and service to God.
The Second CensusD. Young Numbers 26:1-62
People
Aaron, Abihu, Abiram, Ahiram, Ahiramites, Amram, Ard, Ardites, Areli, Arelites, Arod, Arodites, Ashbel, Ashbelites, Asher, Asriel, Asrielites, Becher, Becherites, Bela, Belaites, Benjamin, Beriah, Beriites, Berites, Caleb, Carmi, Carmites, Dan, Dathan, Eleazar, Eliab, Elon, Elonites, Enoch, Enochites, Er, Eran, Eranites, Eri, Erites, Gad, Gershon, Gershonites, Gileadites, Guni, Gunites, Haggai, Haggi, Haggites, Hamul, Hamulites, Hanoch, Hanochites, Heber, Heberites, Hebronites, Helek, Helekites, Helkites, Hepher, Hepherites, Hezron, Hezronites, Hoglah, Hupham, Huphamites, Iezerites, Imnah, Imnites, Ishvites, Israelites, Issachar, Ithamar, Jachin, Jachinites, Jahleel, Jahleelites, Jahzeel, Jahzeelites, Jamin, Jaminites, Jashub, Jashubites, Jeezer, Jeezerites, Jephunneh, Jesui, Jesuites, Jezer, Jezerites, Jimna, Jimnah, Jimnites, Jishvites, Jochebed, Joseph, Joshua, Kohath, Kohathites, Korah, Korahites, Korathites, Levi, Levites, Libnites, Machir, Machirites, Mahlah, Mahlites, Malchiel, Malchielites, Manasseh, Merari, Merarites, Milcah, Miriam, Moses, Mushites, Naaman, Naamites, Nadab, Naphtali, Nemuel, Nemuelites, Noah, Nun, Onan, Ozni, Oznites, Pallu, Palluites, Perez, Perezites, Phallu, Phalluites, Pharez, Pua, Puah, Punites, Reuben, Reubenites, Sarah, Sardites, Saul, Saulites, Serah, Sered, Seredites, Shaul, Shaulites, Shechemites, Shelah, Shelanites, Shemida, Shemidaites, Shillem, Shillemites, Shimron, Shimronites, Shuham, Shuhamites, Shuni, Shunites, Shupham, Shuphamites, Shuthelah, Shuthelahites, Simeon, Simeonites, Tahan, Tahanites, Tirzah, Tola, Tolaites, Zarhites, Zebulun, Zebulunites, Zelophehad, Zephon, Zephonites, Zerah, Zerahites
Places
Canaan, Egypt, Jericho, Jordan River, Moab, Peor, Sinai
Topics
23000, Counted, Heritage, Inheritance, Israelites, Levites, Male, Males, Midst, Month, Numbered, Ones, Received, Rest, Sons, Themselves, Thousand, Twenty, Twenty-three, Upward, Upwards
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 26:62

     4208   land, divine responsibility

Numbers 26:1-62

     7230   genealogies

Numbers 26:1-65

     5249   census

Numbers 26:57-62

     7266   tribes of Israel

Library
The Census of Israel
Thirty-eight years had passed away since the first numbering at Sinai, and the people had come to the borders of the Promised Land; for they were in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho. The time had come for another census. The wisdom which commanded the counting of Israel at the beginning of the wilderness journey, also determined to count them at the end of it. This would show that he did not value them less than in former years; it would afford proof that his word of judgment had been fulfilled
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

The Training of a Statesman.
MOSES IN EGYPT AND THE WILDERNESS.--EX. 1:1; 7:5. Parallel Readings. Goodnow, F. J., Comparative Administrative Law. Hist. Bible I, 151-69. And he went out on the following day and saw two men of the Hebrews striving together; and he said to the one who was doing the wrong, Why do you smite your fellow-workman? But he replied, Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian? Then Moses was afraid and said, Surely the thing is known. When, therefore,
Charles Foster Kent—The Making of a Nation

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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